You do not need to spend a dime to have a great day in Santa Monica. Between the Santa Monica Pier, Palisades Park, and the beach bike path, some of the best experiences in town are completely free — you just have to know where the locals actually go. This guide rounds up the free things to do in Santa Monica that are genuinely worth your time, plus honest tips on when to go and how to make the most of them.
The best free things to do in Santa Monica
Start with the places locals never get tired of. The Santa Monica Pier is the one almost everyone recommends first — it captures what makes Santa Monica feel like Santa Monica, and it costs nothing to enjoy. From there, Palisades Park gives you a completely different side of town, while the beach bike path and Tongva Park round out a full day without a single admission fee.
- The Santa Monica Pier — the quintessential free Santa Monica outing, and a good place to start if it is your first time.
- Palisades Park — worth the trip for the change of scenery; bring water and comfortable shoes.
- The beach bike path — a local favorite that rarely shows up in tourist guides.
- Tongva Park — easy to combine with the others for a full free day out.
Free parks & outdoor spots in Santa Monica
Some of the best free things to do in Santa Monica are simply being outside. The parks, trails, and waterfronts here are open to everyone, and they are where neighbors walk dogs, run, picnic, and catch a sunset. For a fuller rundown of green space, see our guide to parks and outdoor spots in Santa Monica. Pack a picnic instead of buying lunch and an afternoon outdoors costs nothing at all.
Free culture, art & history in Santa Monica
You can soak up the culture of Santa Monica without paying for it. Look for free museum days and community hours, self-guided historic walks, public art, and library programs — most neighborhoods have more free culture than residents realize. Following a local calendar is the easiest way to catch free concerts, gallery openings, and pop-up markets around Santa Monica; our Santa Monica events guide is a good place to track them.
Free things to do with kids in Santa Monica
Families do not have to spend much to keep kids busy here. Playgrounds, splash pads, nature centers, and free library story times give you a full day on a budget. For more family-specific ideas, see things to do with kids in Santa Monica.
When to go
Free spots in Santa Monica are busiest on warm weekends and holidays. If you prefer smaller crowds, go early on a weekday morning or in the hour before sunset — you will get the same views and open space with far fewer people. Seasonal timing matters too: spring and fall are ideal for the outdoor spots, while summer is best for waterfronts and evening events.
What locals actually recommend
The best free tips in Santa Monica rarely make it into a guidebook — they come from neighbors who know which trail is quiet, which day the museum is free, and where the best sunset spot is. That is exactly what the free Santa Monica community on Neighborhood Nurturers is for: real residents sharing honest, current recommendations. Ask Santa Monica neighbors what is free and worth it right now, or join your town community free. For paid outings too, see our full guide to things to do in Santa Monica.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best free things to do in Santa Monica?
Some of the best free things to do in Santa Monica include the Santa Monica Pier, Palisades Park, the beach bike path, and Tongva Park — all open to the public at no cost. Locals also recommend watching for free museum days and community events.
What can I do in Santa Monica for free with kids?
Playgrounds, splash pads, nature centers, and free library story times are the easiest budget-friendly options in Santa Monica. See our things-to-do-with-kids guide for more family ideas.
Are there free things to do in Santa Monica at night?
Yes — free evening options in Santa Monica include sunset walks along the waterfront and trails, public art, and free concerts or events. Check a local events calendar for what is on this week.
How do I find out about free events in Santa Monica?
The most reliable way is to ask locals directly. The Santa Monica community on Neighborhood Nurturers shares current free events, and our Santa Monica events guide tracks what is coming up.